DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter, who is in the fifth grade, has two suitors. No, I'm not kidding. She came home to tell me how uncomfortable she was because she wasn't sure how to talk to both boys at the same time. They were all at a birthday party recently, and the boys were vying for her attention. She says it was fun, but also a little weird, because she likes one boy but doesn't want to hurt the other one's feelings. I felt so happy that she came to me with this situation. I want to be able to help her, but I also know that she has to learn herself how to handle boys' attention. What should I tell her? -- Growing Up, Baltimore

DEAR GROWING UP: Welcome to the wonderful world of dating -- well, more accurately, welcome to the world of attraction. While you cannot give your daughter a prescription for how to navigate these two boys as they talk to her, you can give your guidance. First, let her know that it is very nice that the boys find her interesting. She should consider that a positive. She should remember to treat them, and others, as she would like to be treated. That may mean paying attention when one is talking to her, responding to questions when asked, participating in dialogue -- basically being present. When one boy interrupts another, she can attempt to manage that by saying, "Hold on, let X finish what he was saying." Then she can turn to the other after he is finished. Let her know that it is much easier to communicate one-on-one with boys, especially when they are attracted to her. Finally, she should be mindful not to ignore the one she does not favor. Remain cordial to everyone. They can still be friends.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently I haven't felt like getting out of bed or doing anything. I just feel blah. I have been struggling for so long to recover from losing my job two years ago. I do freelance work, but often I am broke. I can hardly pay my bills, and I'm always negotiating with a creditor to not cut me off because I'm late. I'm tired of all of it and just want to hide. I know I'm smart, but that hasn't gotten me anywhere. I feel like I just want to move back home with my parents, even though I'm an adult. Maybe if I don't have the pressure of so many bills, it might be easier for me to get my act together. They offered, but I'm afraid. What should I do? -- Near the Brink, Seattle

DEAR NEAR THE BRINK: You may be suffering from depression. I highly recommend that you get some mental health support right now, before you pick up and do anything. Talk to a professional who can help you sort through your thoughts. You can call Crisis Clinic at 866-4-CRISIS (866-427-4747).

The struggle of losing a job and attempting unsuccessfully to rebuild your life can take its toll. I wouldn't rule out moving back home, even if it is temporary. If you can shave away bills, that may help you to focus on finding a job without some of the financial pressure.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a third-year associate at a law firm and have been working closely with a partner on an upcoming case. He is in his early 30s and is not married. I think I have feelings for him, and I'm pretty sure he has feelings for me. Would it be completely unprofessional to tell him how I feel, or even go on a date? I value and love my job and have the utmost respect for my fellow workers, but I also think I owe it to myself to explore this relationship. We wouldn't have to tell anyone about our relationship. What do you think I should do? -- A Case of Love, Atlanta

DEAR A CASE OF LOVE: Is there an employee handbook at your company? If so, take a look to see if there is a policy on employee dating. If there is no restriction, I suggest you proceed with caution. While it is wise to be discreet about any relationship that may develop between you, know that someone will figure it out. The electric energy that exists between people who like each other, especially at the beginning of a relationship, is detectable, even when they are attempting to rendezvous secretly.

If you two decide to date, do so off premises. Keep your professional relationship professional. Do your jobs in a focused, respectful manner. Make your job performance above reproach. Agree on the front end that if you do decide to date and the day comes that the relationship ends or that you experience conflict, that you will continue to be respectful and mature. Give it a chance -- with your eyes wide open.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a 4-year old son who is a picky eater. I try to feed him healthy foods like broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, but he's having none of it! All he wants to eat is pasta, pizza and sweets. I want him to have a balanced diet, and I'm nervous that if he doesn't start now, he never will have one. How can I start to incorporate healthy foods into his diet so he'll eat them? -- Son of a Gun, Dallas

DEAR SON OF A GUN: Stop bringing so many carbohydrates and sweets into your home. Have healthy options that look good but that are wise food choices. For instance, cut up carrots in fun designs. Make shakes that include fruits and vegetables. You can hide dark, leafy greens in fruit and present a smoothie!

Be clear with your son that he cannot only eat those items. Sometimes you have to create a standoff. Let him go hungry a time or two if he refuses to eat healthy options. This will teach him that he has to follow your directions. You may also want to offer him the reward of being able to play with friends, watch TV or something else he yearns to do only if he finishes his meal. You have to train him out of his bad eating habits right now.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister lives in an area with not-so-great public schools. I make far more money than she does, so I have always paid for her two kids to attend a private school. However, my business recently took a large hit, and while I do still have the money to send them to the school, I don't feel like it would be financially responsible for me to continue sending them to a fancy, expensive private school. I love my niece and nephew, but they are not my children, and I have to look out for my immediate family. How do I tell my sister that I don't think I can pay her children's tuition anymore, and how do I handle any anger or resentment toward me? -- Cut Off, Miami

DEAR CUT OFF: Obviously, this is a difficult decision to have to make and to have to share with your sister. The timing is tough as well. It is likely that she has already signed a contractual agreement with her children's school for next year. Typically, this occurs in the spring. Because of that, I would recommend you allow the children to attend the school next year. Often, school contracts stipulate that you have to pay the full tuition if you withdraw after a certain date, usually in May, so your sister may be liable for that tuition even if the children do not attend. I suggest that you talk with your sister and explain what has occurred with your business and that you will not be able to continue paying for them to attend private school in the future.

This will give her fair warning either to relocate her children or to apply for financial aid, whereby they can show that you once paid but now it is on her to foot the entire bill. Your niece and nephew may be eligible for a scholarship. Or if she has to move them into public school, she will have time to make that transition less jarring.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I graduated from college seven years ago and have been working in the financial industry ever since. I absolutely hate it. Yes, the pay is great, but the hours are excruciating, the job is beyond stressful and my heart is just not in it. I want to do something more creative and rewarding with my life. However, I'm scared I won't find as much success as I already have. How would you suggest making this career change and life leap? -- Uninspired, New York City

DEAR UNINSPIRED: Start by saving as much money as you can. Honor your current role by reaping the major reward it has to offer: money. At the same time, meditate on what you want to do next. Do you have a burning interest to set another course for yourself, something specific?

It is always scary to make a change. One way to make a smart dramatic shift is to do research on what interests you. Figure out how viable a career option it is. With savings and a strong plan, pursue your dreams!